By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 14 June 2026 – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro hailed ties with Israel during a joint address with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, describing his visit as a historic moment in Somaliland’s diplomatic history.
Speaking during the address on Sunday, Irro thanked Herzog and the Israeli government for what he called an exceptionally warm welcome and said the visit reflected a new relationship between Somaliland and Israel.
“On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Somaliland, it is a profound honour for me to stand before you today at this state visit,” Irro said.
He said Israel’s reception of the Somaliland delegation would be remembered as an important moment in Somaliland’s diplomatic history.
Irro said Somaliland had spent 35 years seeking international recognition and engagement, adding that Israel had been the first country to “see us” and recognise Somaliland.
“Only one country decided to see us and recognize Somaliland, and that is the government of Israel and its people,” he said.
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Irro said he was carrying the thanks of six million Somalilanders and thanked Israel’s president, prime minister and foreign minister for supporting the new relationship.
Herzog welcomed the visit, saying images of people in Somaliland waving Israeli flags had “warmed all of our hearts.”
He said Somaliland flags were now flying at the Israeli president’s residence and across Jerusalem, describing the visit as part of a new relationship between the two sides.
The visit comes after Somaliland said Israel recognised its independence on Dec. 26, 2025.
Somalia’s federal government has opposed any move to recognise Somaliland, saying the territory remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received broad international recognition.